Luton Town assistant manager Mick Harford has confirmed he is fighting prostate cancer.
Harford, number two to Nathan Jones, will undergo a course of radiotherapy treatment, the Hatters have confirmed.
The treatment will start next month and will mean a period of leave away from the club for a length of time.
Harford scored 186 league goals in a prolific career for clubs including Chelsea and Wimbledon - as well as Luton. He also won two senior England caps.
On their website, Luton say that Harford was first diagnosed in December 2020 but "has continued to perform his duties with the same commitment and determination he has always shown".
A statement from the 62-year-old said: “What I want is to raise awareness and encourage other men to go and get themselves checked out.
“That’s what I did and it’s not something that we are good at, us middle-aged and older men.
“We don’t like to talk about illness or go to the doctor, because we think we might be wasting their time, especially in the current climate with Covid. It is so vital not to think like that. The early symptoms of prostate cancer aren’t always noticeable, which is why it is so important to go to your GP and get checked out.
“I know a few people at the football club who have gone and done so since I was first diagnosed, and if our wonderful supporters can do one thing for me, it is to do exactly that, because early diagnosis is so crucial.
“I’ve been on hormone medication treatment for several months, but I now need to have a course of radiotherapy, at UCLH in London, where my oncology team have been brilliant with me. I’m really happy with the treatment I’m receiving, albeit it’s going to be a long journey which means I won’t be around on a daily basis at the training ground, which as everyone knows, is what I love doing.
"What’s essential to me is that the focus of the club should be on the new season, which we’re on the cusp of.
“I want to thank everyone at the football club for their support. Gary and the board, Nathan, the staff and all the players have been so helpful to me over the past few months. Please continue to give them your wholehearted support.
"I will be on hand to help them and the players in whatever way I can, whilst also raising awareness about prostate cancer, to help others.”
Sign up to the Mirror Football email here for the latest news and transfer gossip
